Greetings!
 We hope you enjoy receiving our Newsletter with updates on what's happening in our area. When you get ready to interview contractors, remember that we're an approved contractor for The Settings of Black Mountain and Lake Rhodhiss, the Village of Cheshire, Creston, 1780, the Ramble, Mountain Air and numerous other developments. We've been building homes in these mountains since 1995 and we know that you are not only our potential clients, but also our neighbors.
Sincerely,
Sean Sullivan
Living Stone Construction, Inc. |
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Average Seasonal Temperature in Black Mountain
Winter Spring Summer Fall
35° F 54° F 72° F 62° F
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How do you define Value?
LSC celebrated their 14th Christmas this year at the S&W downtown Asheville on Saturday, December 19th.  Just one day after the "Big Chill" hit us, everyone managed to get out, except for our Bookkeeper, Pam, and her husband Phillip. (Shown from left to right, wives: Jennifer Bates, Beckey Turchi, Rebecca Sullivan, and Liz Arrowood.) Fun was had by all at dinner and thankfulness is always the prevailing theme. Thankfulness for another good year, despite the challenging economy, we have all been able to stay busy. Thankfulness was expressed for the relationships that we value with our subs and vendors. And most of all, thankfulness for being able to work with such outstanding clients. The only way to be able to meet our mission is to create and establish trust with our clients which always ends with a long term friendship.
My thanks go out to all who touch this company in one way or another, and there are too many to name here. But I especially want to recognize the guys who really make it happen day in and day out. They very rarely take any time off...mentally or physically. They pursue their passion of building by trying to exceed their clients expectations in building them a beautiful and comfortable home while at the same time, striving to deliver the best value the client deserves.
 Unless someone has built a house before with, and then without a (good) superintendent, they do not realize the value of the position. Although I have done both, I see the value on a daily basis. Done well, this position pays for itself in many ways. (Shown left to right: Sean Sullivan, Frank Turchi, Sam Arrowood, and Mike Bates.)
Literally done, a dedicated "super" will track your costs, price things out (weigh cost vs. value), inspect upon delivery and installation, schedule, watch for safety, clean-up, and most importantly - communicate on a daily basis to all involved. You cannot comprehend how much value this brings to the project until you see a similar project run next to you without a dedicated superintendent. Realistically done, these guys provide the client with the right information at the right time. They are on sight EVERY day with the clients best interest in mind. They steer the ship over the course of a vast ocean rather than relying on that ship to get to harbor via GPS. What is that cost to someone who puts their trust in a company to build the biggest investment of their lifetime? To me the answer is...priceless.
 Did you know?
Did you know that not all builders were the same? I know that this sounds rhetorical, however, I am amazed at how the public often chooses a builder like picking apples out of a cart. A person cannot compare one builder to another by simply looking at their profit margin. For example, strictly on a cost comparison basis, did you know that builders are rated by the subs and vendors from which they buy? The more product they buy, the frequency in which they pay, and the ease of operation all go into different "pricing" to that builder. This in-turn, determines the cost to the "end user". So if "Builder A" receives 5% better pricing than "Builder B", when is that savings realized? Answer: Usually not during the selection process, in fact, the client usually isn't even aware that the builder they choose will determine how much they will be paying for materials and services - ever. |
How to Choose a Builder If you're in the market to build a new home or renovate the one you've got, you should shop for your builder as carefully as you shop for your home. Whether you are building (or buying) a condo, a townhouse, a house in a subdivision, or a custom built house, you want to know that you are buying a good quality home from a reputable builder. Here are a couple of tips to help you choose a builder.
 Make A List of Possible Builders
Once you have thought about the type of house you want, you will need to find a builder.
If you are building in a development, you often already have a list of builders to select from. Look in the real estate section of you local newspaper for builders and projects. Looking through the ads and reading the articles can help you to learn which builders are active in your area, the types of homes they are building, and the prices you can expect to pay. Make a list of builders who build the type of home you're looking for in your price range. Don't assume that all builders are the same.
Local real estate agents may also be able to help you in your search. Ask local banks, supply houses, and friends for recommendations. Ask about builders they have dealt with directly, or ask them for names of acquaintances who have recently had a good experience with a builder. Find a builder who stays current with industry information through continuing education, certifications, service and leadership positions.
Do Your Homework
Once you have a list of builders, how can you find out about their reputations and the quality of their work? The best way to learn about builders is to visit homes they have built and talk with the owners.
Ask builders on your list for the addresses of their recently built homes and subdivisions. Builders may even be able to provide names of some home owners who would be willing to talk with you.
Drive by on a Saturday morning when home owners may be outside doing chores or errands. Introduce yourself and say you are considering building (or renovating) a home with the builder who built their home. Talk to several owners, and try to get a random sample of opinions. The more people you talk with, the more accurate an impression of a builder you are likely to get.
When you talk to builders and home owners, take along a notebook to record the information you find and your personal impressions about specific builders and homes. Doing so will help you to make comparisons later. Some questions you can ask people include: Are you happy with your home? If you had any problems, were they fixed promptly and properly? Would you buy another home from this builder?
Usually, people tell you if they are pleased with their homes. And if they are not, they'll probably want to tell you why.
Shop For Quality and Value
Look at new homes whenever you can. Home shows and open houses sponsored by builders are good opportunities to look at homes. Model homes and houses displayed in home shows are often furnished to give you ideas for using the space. You may also ask a builder to see unfurnished homes.
When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features. Inspect the quality of the cabinetry, trimwork, exterior details, paint, and energy efficiencies. Ask the builder, or the superintendent, a lot of questions. Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers verbally rather than in writing, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question. What seems like an insignificant question might yield an important answer. For most people, this is one of the most significant investments in time and resources they will ever make- and possibly, yield one of the greatest returns.
Source: NAHB | |
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About Living Stone Construction
Living Stone Construction is a first-tier builder of fine custom homes in Western North Carolina. Our mission is to provide our customers with a new or renovated home that exceeds their expectations. We do that with an attention to detail and adherence to our five core values: quality, integrity, value, timeliness and communication. Recognizing that each home represents a significant investment with the potential for substantial capital appreciation, we aim to provide our customers with a home that will be a delight to their families for years to come.
 
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All of us at LSC wish you and your family a "Happy & Prosperous New Year!"
You can now find Sean on LinkedIn.
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The Sub's Corner
One of the most common questions in building, or renovating a new home, is how to finish the concrete floors. There are many different options if you have the right set of resources. An Elite Crete System could be the right fit for you. Here are a few examples of what you can do:
1) Seamless 1/4" Thin Stamped Overlay: Creates a light natural looking stone texture. Grout lines to replicate stone, tile, slate, etc. can be added for addition design options.
2) Splatter Texture Overlay: Applied approximately 1/16" to 1/8" thick to existing concrete to create a non-slip texture. Can be applied as plain gray or unlimited color and design choices. Patterns can replicate that of brick, stone, slate, tile, etc. Ideal for indoor pool decks, water parks, public restrooms or locker rooms where water may be present but a non-slip finish is required.
3) MICRO-FINISH™ Seamless Floors: Applied to existing concrete less than 1/16" thick and literally as smooth as glass. Patterns, colors and design themes are absolutely limitless.
4) Modified Slate Trowel Overlay: A smoother version of the conventional Slate Trowel Overlay for exterior uses.
5) REFLECTOR™ Enhancer Flooring Systems: Absolutely the hottest tend in commercial, retail and residential flooring systems with designers and architects.
6) Concrete Staining: Transforms plain gray concrete into a multitude of color options.
7) Concrete Coloring: The concrete can be integrally colored before it is poured or it can be colored afterwards.
To learn more about these products and services, visit www.elitecrete.com. Contact us to find a locally certified installer of Elite Crete Systems. |
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Local News
Town digs out from snow storm
Between 10 and 15 inches of snow blanketed Black Mountain last weekend, according to Bob Watts, director of public works for the Town of Black Mountain. The recent snow was heavy and wet, which meant plows that would normally push the snow could not. Normally four trucks can plow the entire town in eight hours. With this storm, the town was still working on Tuesday morning. Source: Black Mountain News
Local builder selected to state NCHBA chair position
The North Carolina Home Builders Association has selected Sean Sullivan, of Living Stone Construction, to be the Chairman of the NC Build-Pac committee for 2010. "With the current political climate, the volatile economic condition, and the fluctuation of the housing market, this is poised to be the most critical election cycle we have seen in decades. After serving as Vice-Chair this last year, I have seen how closely the legislative agenda affects the building industry. While contributions were down in 2009, requests for help were up as incumbents seek re-election." says Sullivan.
The Political Action Committee of the North Carolina Home Builders Association (NC BUILD-PAC) is a non-partisan committee organized for the specific purpose of raising funds to support pro-housing candidates of all parties at the state and local levels of government.
Source: Black Mountain News
Pro Football Player speaks at Youth League Banquet
On Sunday, Nov. 8th, pro football player and Black Mountain native, Brad Johnson spoke at the ODYFL banquet. Brad recounted how he had a dream as a kid to grow up and play professional football. He explained that he never gave up on that dream and neither should any of these kids. Brad was introduced by his first football coach Ted Minnick who coached his last year this season. (Brad Johnson shown with Conor Sullivan.) |
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What to do this month!
Jan. 16 - Swan. Rim Explorer Hike
Swannanoa Valley Museum hiking series. Reservations required.
Contact: Swannanoa Valley Museum
(828)669-9566
Jan. 19 - Pottery Demonstration
6:30-8:30pm Free & open to public. At Sally Jones Pottery and Wilbur Hoke Currrie Craft Center - Montreat Conference Center. See resident artists Martha Nelson, Jennings White, and Hannah Legerton creating art from clay on the potters wheels while enjoying refreshments
Contact: Martha Nelson
(828)215-2435
Feb. 06 - Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast
8:30am at Camp Dorothy Walls. Tickets required.
Feb. 27 - Black Mountain Marathon / Mt. Mitchell Challenge26 and 40 mile races starting in downtown Black Mountain. Contact: Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce (828)669-2300 www.blackmountainmarathon.com |
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Join Our Mailing List
We are always looking for new contacts, leads, and prospects to communicate with. If you know someone who might be interested in hearing from us, please forward this email, or send us the contact information. Thanks in advance!
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What is a HERS Rating?
RESNET Ratings provides a relative energy use index called the HERSŪ Index - a HERS Index of 100 represents the energy use of the "American Standard Building" and an Index of 0 (zero) indicates that the Proposed Building uses no net purchased energy (a Zero Energy Building). A set of rater recommendations for cost-effective improvements that can be achieved by the Rated Building is also produced.
Has your house been rated? |
Other Useful Information
As of January 4, 2010, ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights will meet new performance levels (173KB). It will still be easy to find high-efficiency products: just look for the ENERGY STAR label.
ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors and skylights reduce energy bills by about 7-24 percent, increase comfort, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to achieve precisely the look you're after.
Stay Warm when the power is out! If you don't have an automatic generator, now may be the time to get one. Contact Duane Gentry (828-274-2520)at www.gentryheatinginc.com. (Tell him where you got his info and receive contractor pricing.) | |
